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Signature Living, the innovative hotel and hospitality operator behind The Shankly Hotel and 30 James Street, announced it will be opening a George Best Hotel as the company’s first project in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The agreement was negotiated by IMG on behalf of the George Best Company, owned by George’s sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Norman McNarry.

“We are thrilled to support this exciting project knowing that George would have loved to see his name immortalised in a hotel where he would have also enjoyed staying,” said Barbara McNarry. “We look forward to showcasing some special memorabilia, hosting charity events and giving people from around the world a ‘Georgie’ inspired taste of our hometown.”

Located in Belfast’s landmark Scottish Mutual Building, the George Best Hotel will celebrate the career and glamorous style of the man Pele famously described as “the greatest player in the world.” Often called “the fifth Beatle,” George’s good looks, exceptional skills on the pitch, and flamboyant lifestyle off it made him football’s first global superstar and an enduring legend.

Founded by Lawrence Kenwright, Signature Living has been an innovator in the hospitality industry since 2008, renowned for restoring iconic derelict buildings into unique hotels and hospitality experiences. The Shankly is a tribute to legendary Liverpool Football Club manager Bill Shankly and 30 James Street was previously the headquarters of the White Star Line – famous owners of the RMS Titanic.

Signature Living is incredibly excited to be working with Barbara and Norman McNarry on bringing the George Best Hotel to Belfast. George Best’s story is legendary, and we look forward to celebrating his journey at this new hotel development in his hometown.

“Signature Living has a solid track record of delivering unique hotel concepts, and we envisage the George Best Hotel being as popular as the Shankly Hotel in Liverpool which celebrates the life and career of one of the most successful football managers in history. The award-winning Shankly Hotel is now an international tourist attraction and our ambition is to replicate this success at the George Best Hotel in Belfast.”

In recent years, IMG has developed numerous projects celebrating the Northern Irish superstar, including a line of fashion T-shirts and jerseys, football-inspired casual shoes, leather jackets, commemorative postage stamps, an e-commerce shop and inclusion of George as one of the legends in Electronic Arts’ FIFA best-selling console video game.

Matthew Primack, Senior Vice President, IMG Licensing said: “It is IMG’s privilege to bring together the Estate of George Best and Signature Living to realise a vision that will honour George and also offer Belfast’s visitors a very special destination associated its very own ‘Belfast Boy.’ Not only will the hotel DNA be born of stories from George’s life, it will also help further cement the brand legacy for the future.”

The year 2018 will mark the 50th Anniversary of George leading Manchester United to victory over Benfica in the 1968 European Cup and his subsequent award of the prestigious Ballon D’Or as European Footballer of the Year.

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About Signature Living

Signature Group is a hotel operator and property developer based in Liverpool. The company’s previous developments include 30 James Street – Home of the Titanic, The Shankly Hotel and Cardiff’s Coal Exchange.

About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 30 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions.

Synopsis: He was football’s first rock and roll star – a handsome, charismatic Belfast boy who could thrill and excite the crowds with every turn of the ball. Director Daniel Gordon (Hillsborough, The Fall) recounts the tale of this beloved superstar with riveting, evocative footage and testimony by those who knew him at his best.

George Best Facebook Page Competition T&C’s

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for the purposes as disclosed in these terms and conditions.
1. Entries must be received between Friday 26th May 2017 and Friday 2nd June April 2017 at 11.59pm GMT inclusive (“Promotion Period”).
2. Only one entry per household will be allowed.
3. There are 3 copies in total of your choice of either DVD or Blu-Ray. 3 winners will be electronically drawn and will be awarded with one prize each.
4. Winners will be notified via their Facebook profile and may be published on the George Best Facebook page.
5. The Promotion is open to UK and Ireland residents.
6. Prizes cannot be transferred or redeemed for cash.
7. Should an entrant’s contact and delivery details change during the Promotional Period, it is the entrant’s responsibility to notify the Promoter. A request to access or modify any information provided in an entry should be directed to the Promoter.
8. The Promoter’s decision is final and the Promoter will not enter into correspondence regarding the Promotion result.

The new film entitled George Best: All By Himself premieres at the London Film Festival today!

George Best: All By Himself is a feature documentary on the life of soccer star, George Best. The Fine Point Films production (Bobby Sands: 66 Days), funded by BBC and ESPN, will recount how a polite and reserved young prodigy from Northern Ireland became a global sporting icon, visualising his story through a mix of actuality, archive, and original interviews. Fine Point Films, Directed by Daniel Gordon (Hillsborough), Exec-Produced by John Battsek (Searching for Sugarman, The Imposter), will ‘unpack’ what made Best a legend, why and how he is still remembered today on both sides of the Atlantic.

On May 22nd 2016 fans all over the world paid tribute to George Best on what would have been his 70th birthday.

“This man is born on the 22 May … What a day I’m proud to be born on.. A football profile 18 years older than me to the day”. Garry Burgess

“Growing up in Northern Ireland in the dark troubled days of the 60s and 70s he was our one shining light. Totally idolised him. Still miss him so much. Best footballer ever to pull on a pair of football boots.” Garth Turner

“No one better than George Best, feel sorry for the kids who have never seen him play, sorry kids but you missed the best player ever and I don’t think you will ever see the like again, and I am a Blue, R.I.P G B.” Peter Beachill

“The mould was broke when George was born. No other player will match his skill, flare and technique on the pitch”. Jules Armstrong

“The Greatest footballer who ever lived”. Brian Blowe Snr

“Simply the very best that ever played the game”. Martin Dawson

“Without doubt, the best player ever… His parents named him George, God made sure his name was Best… Never to be forgotten… Hope you’re having a good time up there, George”. John McConnell

“God sprinkled you with stardust and made you the greatest footballer that ever lived…Happy Birthday Georgie Boy….”. Brian Blowe Snr

“Remembering George on his special day. Absolute Legend, who lit the world up on the football pitch with his amazing talent. Your name is sung all over Old Trafford, and your memory will always live on in our hearts . RIP , xxx”. Ursula Lockwood

“It’s a pleasure to share my birthday with the world’s greatest player George Best. Happy 70th Birthday George RIP xx”. Susan Gravett

“Happy Birthday George, watched you play so many times at Old Trafford …you will never be forgotten x”. Mallory Meredith Dooley

“Remembering George’s birthday and his brilliance as a footballer. Grew up on the Cregagh Estate and had the pleasure of kicking a ball with him on the field at the top of Burren Way; I’ll never forget. All the Best from Vancouver.” Bill Morrell

“…RIP Happy Birthday to the man who made me love football!”. Jim Aitken

“Happy birthday to the Belfast Boy George Best true Legend”. Alan Mcfadden

“70 years ago today, a star was sent from heaven above,

it landed in a place called Belfast, a son for Mr and Mrs Best to love.

The Lord named him George and he gave him a gift,

to entertain the people and a special cup to lift.

He did the lords will, with a talent so rare,

and an attitude that the devil may care.

The people they loved him, everyone knew his name,

he was the hero of the terraces a magnet for fortune and fame.

Well the years they did fly, and the managers did cry,

for the soul that was troubled and sore.

Till the dreaded day dawned and he played till the end, and the star could shine no more.

Happy Birthday George, thanks for the memories xxxx”. June Hagan

Best, who won the European Cup with Manchester United in 1968, was born in Belfast on May 22, 1946.

Happy 70th Birthday George. Thanks for the magical moments. You will never be forgotten.

The Goethe-Cinema London will be screening the film ‘Football as Never Before’ by Hellmuth Costard, focusing on the legendary George Best. This is a must-see for all George Best fans or anyone interested in the art of football!

Where and when:
Wednesday, 25th May 2016 at 7pm.
Goethe-Institut London
50 Princes Gate
Exhibition Road
London SW7 2PH
Nearest Tube: South Kensington

From his untouchable skill on the pitch to his charismatic and boyish charm, George Best touched people’s lives with his inspirational talent.
This new collection of stylish and iconic T-shirts are in recognition of his position as a fashion icon who shone in his own distinctive glamour and timeless style.

All clothing is made from 100% cotton, produced to the highest standards of quality and feature authentic screen-printed images and logos over classic white, red and green T-shirts.